Major unions back Obama on marriage equality |
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Seattle Gay News
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posted Friday, May 11, 2012 - Volume 40 Issue 19 Major unions back Obama on marriage equalityby Mike Andrew - SGN Staff Writer Within hours of President Obama's historic May 9 statement on marriage equality, the heads of a number of major labor unions announced their backing for his position. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka said his union federation was 'proud' to support equality. 'Working people believe in equality and fairness and that's why we are happy to stand with millions of Americans and with President Obama in supporting marriage equality,' Trumka said. 'LGBT working people face numerous inequities in the workplace and in society as they struggle to care for their families. Civil unions do not guarantee the 1,138 rights, benefits, and responsibilities that are triggered by the word 'marriage' under federal law. 'Most important, we should respect and honor our friends, neighbors, and family members who want to take care of their families and their loved ones - whatever their sexual orientation. We are proud to come together for a more just America.' At the 2009 AFL-CIO convention, the newly elected Trumka delivered a stirring speech calling for the 'full inclusion' of LGBT workers 'at every level of the labor movement, including leadership.' In 2010, Trumka produced a video for the 'It Gets Better' project, recalling discrimination against his immigrant family. Mary Kay Henry, an out Lesbian and president of SEIU - the largest union not affiliated with the AFL-CIO - also celebrated Obama's announcement. 'Earlier today, President Obama joined a host of faith, civil rights, business, and political leaders who have publicly voiced their support of marriage equality,' she said. The president's support comes at a critical moment as the rights of LGBT people are under legislative attack in Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, and elsewhere. The president understands what we do - marriage equality is about family, community, love, and justice.' Noting the flurry of attacks on LGBT rights in North Carolina and other states, Henry added that 'we cannot live up to our promise as a nation until we extend equal rights to all.' 'To those who have chosen to stand on the wrong side of history,' she continued, 'we say this: There is growing momentum for equality in this country. And with each American who believes in equality, we are reminded that the continued dream of equality is our birthright, our heritage, and our promise. 'For anyone who counts equality among the basic tenets of a free and just America, President Obama's announcement today is a victory.' SEIU represents some 1.8 million workers in health care, janitorial services, and the public sector. UFCW president Joe Hansen, CWA president Larry Cohen, and AFSCME president Gerald McEntee also issued statements of support. Hansen, whose union represents 1.3 million workers primarily in the food processing and retail industries, is a longtime supporter of LGBT rights. 'Marriage equality is an economic justice issue and a social justice issue - and that makes it a union issue,' he said. 'In the UFCW, we have a long, proud history of standing up for fair and equal treatment for all workers - regardless of what they look like, where they come from, what language they speak, or who they love. These values are heartfelt. We work every day to fight discrimination and unfair treatment against LGBT people on the job.' Cohen also noted that his union has supported marriage equality for almost a decade. 'Nearly ten years ago, CWA convention delegates called for full and equal rights including civil marriage, pointing out that far too many benefits and protections of civil marriage are denied to people on the basis of sexual orientation,' he said. 'These often include health care and survivor benefits as well as other legal rights for partners. It's time to move forward.' CWA represents more than half a million workers in the telephone, newspaper, and broadcasting industries. AFSCME president McEntee, whose union represents 1.4 million public-sector workers, promised to help overturn existing bans on marriage equality. 'We have an obligation to work to overturn unjust laws and amendments to state constitutions that codify prejudice and promote discrimination against fellow citizens,' he said. 'The president deserves praise for recognizing that this issue is about equality under the law and the right of all Americans to live their lives free from discrimination.' The Washington State Labor Council, which includes most unions in the state, endorsed the Marriage Equality Act and the Approve Referendum 74 campaign. |
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